Jolly Old St. Nicholas for String Quartet by Traditional String Quartet - Digital Sheet Music
By Traditional
22841888
Jolly Old St. Nicholas for String Quartet
22841888
22841888
22841888
Details
String Quartet Cello,String Quartet,Viola,Violin - Level 2 - Digital Download
SKU: A0.1499389
Composed by Traditional. Arranged by James M. Guthrie. Chamber,Christmas,Historic,Standards,Traditional. 15 pages. Jmsgu3 #1075440. Published by jmsgu3 (A0.1499389)."Jolly Old St. Nicholas" is a significant Christmas song rooted in a poem by Emily Huntington Miller, published in December 1865 as "Lilly's Secret" in The Little Corporal Magazine. The song's lyrics, now widely recognized, closely resemble Miller's original poem. However, some attributions have also been made to Benjamin Hanby, who wrote a similar song in the 1860s, and John Piersol McCaskey, who claimed authorship in 1867.
Historical Context
The music for "Jolly Old St. Nicholas" is generally credited to James R. Murray, first published in 1874. The song has since become a staple of Christmas music, with numerous recordings by various artists, including Ray Smith, Chet Atkins, and Alvin and the Chipmunks.
Themes and Lyrics
The song features a child speaking to Santa Claus, eagerly anticipating Christmas and sharing gift wishes. This interaction reflects the broader themes of childhood innocence and the joy of giving, which are central to Christmas. The lyrics highlight a sense of wonder and excitement as the child asks Santa to choose gifts for them, emphasizing trust in Santa's judgment.
Cultural Impact
"Jolly Old St. Nicholas" has become a beloved Christmas classic, often performed in various musical styles, including jazz and pop. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to resonate with children and adults, encapsulating the spirit of Christmas and the joy of anticipation accompanying the holiday season. Overall, the song serves not only as a festive tune but also as a cultural artifact that reflects the evolution of the Santa Claus figure from St. Nicholas, a historical Christian bishop known for his generosity, to the modern-day Santa Claus celebrated in various traditions worldwide.
This product was created by a member of ArrangeMe, Hal Leonard’s global self-publishing community of independent composers, arrangers, and songwriters. ArrangeMe allows for the publication of unique arrangements of both popular titles and original compositions from a wide variety of voices and backgrounds.
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